Hail to the mighty orange juice!

Green juice "does a body good!"

Orange Juice

This morning I made a lovely Orange, Clementine, Lime juice that was absolutely stellar! My daughter practically fought me for it (not really). Everybody, or at least most people know oranges and orange juice for their high Vitamin C content and their ability to boost the immune system and aid the body in fighting off viruses such as the common cold. However, many do not know that Vitamin C, especially in larger doses, works as an antioxidant. Research shows how this Vitamin delays aging and age related diseases such as arthritis and Parkinson's disease. It also works as an antihistamine combatting allergies, and helps to remove toxins from the body.

In addition to Vitamins, orange juice is chock full of vital minerals. One quart of orange juice contains over 100 milligrams of magnesium! Magnesium is an incredibly important substance. It’s necessary for cellular metabolism of ATP, or the energy your body needs to carry out all of its functions, as well as all your steroidal hormones. As well, OJ boasts modest amounts of potassium. Potassium works by getting sugar into the cell, which regulates cellular metabolism and makes use of that sugar by using it as fuel.

In addition to these minerals, raw orange juice has significant amounts of folate, B-6, thiamin, choline, vitamin A and calcium. Many are surprised to hear that 1 cup of freshly pressed orange juice has 27 mg of calcium!

Green Juice - A Mineral Powerhouse

There is a great advantage to obtaining calcium through juicing - raw plant juices and especially those made from leafy greens, are alkaline drinks as opposed to meats and dairy products which are highly acidic. Research has shown how calcium risks being excreted from the body when its source is acidic in nature. Conversely, freshly prepared plant juices rich in calcium are great because the non-acidic environment of the vegetable and fruit is ideal to reduce the risk of calcium excretion from the body and to promote better absorption.

But it's important to look not just at calcium but also at the following additional nutrients and chemical elements that contribute to bone building and overall bone health:

Magnesium promotes the transport of calcium from and to the bones and helps the bio-chemistry of calcium. Calcium, phosphorous and magnesium work together in this endeavour. Leafy green vegetables are loaded with magnesium!

Phosphorus promotes building of bones and other tissue growth. Parsley and other leafy greens are abundant in this mineral.

Copper regulates some aspects of the bio-chemistry of the bones. Foods rich in copper are nuts, cocoa and whole grains.

Zinc is a chemical element that promotes the process of protein synthesis in the bones. Good vegan plant sources of zinc are whole grains, beans, and nuts.

Silicon increases the strength of bones and teeth. Silicon can be found in cucumbers, asparagus, cabbage and dandelion greens.

Manganese promotes the building of cartilage and other types of connective tissues. This nutrient is found in pumpkin seeds, flax and sesame seeds, cruciferous vegetables, apples, pears, and oranges.

Potassium promotes the health of the bones by stabilizing the electrolytes in the body. Potassium vegetable and fruit sources are bananas, avocados, raisins, cocoa, dried apricots, cantaloupe, celery, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes.

One can easily appreciate, by looking over the minerals listed above and their sources, how achieving a broad spectrum of minerals is totally achievable on a vegan and even raw vegan lifestyle. One simply needs to be vigilant and knowledgeable and needs to make sure that they are taking in a variety of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens and nuts and seeds.

So, make yourself a freshly pressed juice today and load your body with high quality Vitamins and minerals!